Apple’s iCloud service offers Apple users a convenient way to store and access your data across multiple iOS devices. But one common question arises: how do I see what's in my iCloud storage? Understanding what’s taking up space in your iCloud can help you manage your storage better, ensuring there always been enough room for your important files. In this guide, we will walk you through how to view and manage your iCloud storage.

iCloud
iCloud

About iCloud Storage?

iCloud storage is a cloud-based service provided by Apple that allows users to store photos, videos, documents, apps, and more. With iCloud, your data will be synced across all your Apple devices,so that you can access your files at any time wherever you go. This sync means any changes you make on one device will be automatically updated on others, saving you time and hassle to manually download and re-upload to keep the data consistent.

How to See What's In My iCloud Storage

Next part, we will show you how to access icloud storage and what is inside on iPhone, Mac and Windows.

Steps to Access iCloud Storage on iPhone

Wondering how to see what's in my iCloud storage on your iPhone? It's straightforward:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

2. Tap on your name at the top to access your Apple ID settings.

3. Select "iCloud".

4. Tap on "Manage Storage".

Then, a breakdown of your iCloud storage usage will be displayed, including how much space is used by photos, backups, documents, and more. Besides, you can also see all your apps and how much space each one has occupied.

Steps to View iCloud Storage on Mac

If you're using a Mac, the process is equally simple. 

1. Click on the "Apple menu" and select "System Preferences".

2. Click on “Apple ID”.

3. Choose “iCloud” from the sidebar.

4. Click on “Manage”.

This will provide a comprehensive view of your iCloud storage usage, similar to what you see on your iPhone. You'll be able to identify which apps and files are taking up the most space.

Steps to View iCloud Storage on Windows

You can also access iCloud storage on a Windows PC. Here’s how:

1. Download and install "iCloud for Windows" from Apple’s website.

2. Open the "iCloud app" and sign in with your Apple ID.

3. You’ll see a list of available iCloud services. Ensure "iCloud Drive" is checked.

4. Open "File Explorer" and select "iCloud Drive" from the sidebar.

How to Check iCloud Storage Contents

Checking Storage Usage by App

Knowing how to check iCloud storage contents by app can help you manage your space more effectively. On both iPhone and Mac, you can see each app space consumption. If necessary, you can tap on one application to get more details or delete data you don't need any longer.

Managing Photos and Videos in iCloud

Photos and videos often take up the most space in iCloud. Here’s how to manage them:

1. On your iPhone, go to “Settings” > “Photos”.

2. Ensure “iCloud Photos”  is turned on.

3. Select “Optimize iPhone Storage” to save space on your device by storing full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud and keeping smaller versions on your phone.

On your Mac, open the “Photos” app, go to "Photos“> ”Preferences“, and then click on ”iCloud“. Ensure ”iCloud Photos“ is checked and select “Optimize Mac Storage” to free up space.

Pro Tips to Optimize iCloud Storage

Delete Unnecessary Files

One effective way to free up space is by deleting unnecessary files. Start by reviewing the data in your iCloud Drive and removing anything you no longer need. Remember to check for duplicate files or outdated documents.

Before deleting files on iCloud Storage, you had better back up them to local hard drive or another cloud drive, like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox. To make cloud to cloud backup easier, you can mak use of MultCloud. It can back up one cloud content to another cloud drive without complex downloading and re-uploading process.

  • Offline Backup: Don't rely on network connection, but use the data traffic for backing up cloud files.
  • Direct Backup: Don't go through the local storage, but directly backup files across different clouds online.
  • Auto Backup: Back up data regularlywithout having to manually initiate each backup
  • Cross-Platform Access: Access your cloud files from devices or operating systems.

Use Family Sharing for Storage

Family Sharing is another excellent feature for optimizing iCloud storage. By sharing an iCloud storage plan with family members, you can make better use of the available space. Each member’s data remains private, but the storage plan is shared, making it a cost-effective solution.

Troubleshoot iCloud Storage Issues

Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot

Sometimes, you might encounter issues with iCloud storage. Common problems include not being able to back up your device or running out of storage space. To resolve these:

1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

2. Check that your iCloud storage isn't full.

4. Restart your device.

3. Contacting Apple Support

If you still face issues, contacting Apple Support can be helpful. They can provide guidance and solutions tailored to your specific problem. 

Conclusion

Now, I believe you should understand how to see what's in my iCloud storage. By knowing how to access and optimize your storage, you can ensure that your important files are always available when you need them. From managing photos and videos to troubleshooting common issues, this guide provides all the information you need to make the most of your iCloud storage.